For the fifth time in six years, Oklahoma was selected by the league’s head coaches as the frontrunner for the Big 12 softball title. The Sooners received six of seven first-place votes and totaled 36 points overall.

Baylor received 31 points, coming in second behind the Sooners. Texas claimed third with 26 points, while Kansas landed in fourth with a total of 18 points. Oklahoma State (16), Texas Tech (13), and Iowa State (7) rounded out this year’s preseason poll.

Oklahoma, the reigning Big 12 regular season champion, is coming off a national title season. The Sooners return seven starters including USA Softball National Player of the Year finalist Lauren Chamberlain, Second Team All-American Shelby Pendley and Second Team All-Region honoree Destinee Martinez. In 2013, OU finished 57-4 overall and 15-2 in the Big 12.

The Big 12 softball season opens Thursday, Feb. 6, with two Big 12 teams beginning non-conference action. The other five squads will start their seasons on Friday, Feb. 7.

2014 PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Team (first-place votes)

Points

1. Oklahoma (6)

36

2. Baylor (1)

31

3. Texas

26

4. Kansas

18

5. Oklahoma State

16

6. Texas Tech

13

7. Iowa State

7

**Points are awarded six for first, five for second, etc. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their teams.